Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern, Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch
at UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
🏢 About UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) is the UN's dedicated body for advancing nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and the regulation of conventional weapons. Its Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch works on the front lines of global security, supporting treaties like the NPT, BWC, and CWC. Interning here means contributing directly to multilateral diplomacy that shapes international peace and security.
About This Role
As an intern in the WMD Branch, you'll support the full spectrum of disarmament work—from drafting official documents, summaries, and talking points to attending and reporting on conferences and meetings. You'll also conduct research on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons policy using a variety of sources. This is a hands-on role that offers unparalleled exposure to UN disarmament processes and high-level diplomacy.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching recent developments in chemical weapons policy, drafting a summary of a virtual conference on nuclear nonproliferation, and preparing talking points for a senior staff member's meeting. You could also attend a UN meeting, take detailed notes, and later distill them into a concise report for the team. Collaboration with colleagues across time zones is common, as you contribute to the branch's global mission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Is Looking For
- Final-year bachelor's or recent graduate in international relations, political science, law, or a related field, with coursework in disarmament, security studies, or international law.
- Demonstrated commitment to UN ideals and cross-cultural collaboration, such as through Model UN, volunteer work, or international experiences.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information from documents, media, and internet sources.
- Excellent written and spoken English, with experience drafting professional documents, summaries, or reports; proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
📝 Tips for Applying to UN Office for Disarmament Affairs
Tailor your cover letter to the WMD Branch's specific focus on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons—mention relevant treaties like the NPT, BWC, or CWC and how your skills align with supporting them.
Highlight any experience drafting official documents, summaries, or talking points, even if from academic or volunteer settings; provide concrete examples.
Emphasize your commitment to UN ideals and cross-cultural collaboration by referencing specific experiences working in diverse teams or on multilateral issues.
Demonstrate proficiency in MS Office by describing tasks you've completed, such as creating detailed reports in Word, data analysis in Excel, or presentations in PowerPoint.
Show your ability to attend and summarize meetings by mentioning any experience taking notes at conferences, webinars, or student organization meetings, and how you distilled key points.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in WMD disarmament and how you've pursued it through coursework, research, or extracurricular activities.", 'Concrete examples of your writing and research skills, such as a policy brief, thesis, or article on a disarmament-related topic.', 'Your ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and contribute to team efforts, with examples from past internships or volunteer roles.', "Your understanding of the UN's disarmament agenda and how this internship fits into your career goals in international security."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the UNODA website, especially the WMD Branch's recent publications, press releases, and statements to understand current priorities.
- → Familiarize yourself with the key treaties and conventions the WMD Branch supports, such as the NPT, BWC, and CWC, and recent developments in those areas.
- → Follow recent UN disarmament events, such as the First Committee of the General Assembly or Review Conferences, to grasp the political context.
- → Research the UN's internship program and the specific expectations for interns, including the unpaid nature and the possibility of remote work.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention WMD disarmament or the UNODA's specific work—show you understand the branch's focus.
- Failing to demonstrate commitment to UN ideals and cross-cultural collaboration; avoid focusing solely on academic achievements without showing passion for multilateralism.
- Neglecting to proofread for fluency in English; since the role requires drafting official documents, any language errors can be disqualifying.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to UN Office for Disarmament Affairs!